Local, State & Ag News
Ag economists: USDA data changes aim to boost transparency
Two ag economists say USDA’s proposed changes to improve the way data is explained and shared should help improve farmer trust. Seth Meyer with MU’s Food and Ag Policy Research
IATP to launch feeding the world project
An ag research and policy organization is studying how and if U.S. farmers are ‘feeding the world.’ The Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy’s executive director Sophia Murphy described the
Red meat production up in March on pork processing pace
Commercial red meat production in the U.S. during March was 4.511 billion pounds. The USDA says that was 2% larger than last year, with pork surging 7% to 2.401 billion
Iowa bill says flags must be lowered on governor’s order
The legislature has passed a bill requiring Iowa public officials to follow the governor’s order to fly the American flag and the Iowa flag at half staff on public buildings.
National Food Safey Center coming to Urbandale
The U.S. Ag Department Announced it is creating a National Food Safety Center in central Iowa. The announcement says the center is part of the reorganization of the Food Safety
Cold damages Michigan apples, peaches and cherries, MSUE say losses uneven
Michigan State University Extension educators are expecting widespread but highly variable fruit damage across the state following this weekend’s low temperatures. Small Fruit Educator Cheyenne Sloan says crop development in
Hinson lauds USDA’s reorganization, FSIS relocation to Iowa
The USDA has announced that the headquarters for the Food Safety and Inspection Service will be moved to Iowa as part of continued reorganization within the agency. As part of
Drought improvement seen in southwest Iowa
A southwest Iowa farmer says planting is in full swing in his area following some recent rains. Duane Aistrope raises corn and soybeans in Fremont County. “We’ve had some issues
USDA spending bill clears House subcommittee with limited cuts, IT investments
The U.S. House Ag Appropriations subcommittee has passed a partisan USDA budget that would cut funding slightly next year. During this morning’s markup, Republican chair Andy Harris said the proposal prioritizes essential
Waterloo hosts one of multiple Earth Day tree-planting efforts in Iowa
As part of this week’s Earth Day activities, Iowa-based Trees Forever is holding tree-planting events all over the state, including at an event tomorrow in Waterloo. Erin Carpenter, the group’s